According to a news release from McAuliffe’s office, agricultural associations, industry groups, community-based organizations and producers groups seeking to improve the competitiveness of specialty crops in the state are eligible to submit grant proposals up to $50,000 per project.

The deadline for returning applications is March 21.

The news release states specialty crops are categorized as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and nursery crops that are not generally covered by traditional crop insurance. Standard commodities such as corn, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, cotton, or tobacco are not included as specialty crops.